By Ryan Benson

The Norwegian defender was sent off against Sunderland for a two-footed tackle in November and looks set to make a comeback against Newcastle United on Monday evening

Fulham captain Brede Hangeland is desperate to return to action after missing three matches due to suspension, and says he hopes he never has to put up with such a spell on the sidelines again.

The Norway international received a straight red card against Sunderland on November 18, with Fulham's following two matches resulting in defeats to Stoke and Tottenham, as well as a commendable draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Hangeland told reporters: "It's been a new and frustrating experience to be away from games for a few weeks so I can't wait to get back.

"I'm used to playing all the games. I've missed a few games but that's been when I was rested or possibly been injured for one game.

"It's been unusual and it's not something that I want to experience again. I want to get back playing as soon as possible. I think any game we play is going to be tight and we know that we can win on a good day and lose on a bad day.

"I expect it to be a hard-fought game again on Monday night under the floodlights. It will be tight but hopefully we can edge it.

"I think we've had a bad spell lately and we've gone too long since our last win and we need to get back on track as soon as possible and play the type of football that we know we're capable of."